Streetwear is no longer just a fashion choice; it’s a badge of cultural identity and individuality. At the center of this movement is London-based brand Trapstar, a label that has seamlessly intertwined streetwear with music, lifestyle, and underground culture, creating a global phenomenon. Founded in the heart of West London, Trapstar has grown from humble beginnings into a heavy-hitter in the fashion world, endorsed by celebrities, hip-hop stars, and tastemakers.
If you’re intrigued by how London Trapstar became a staple in streetwear culture or are considering including some bold pieces in your wardrobe, this blog is for you. We’ll take a closer look at the brand’s origins, signature style, cultural significance, and tips on how to style Trapstar pieces.
The Origin Story of London Trapstar
Trapstar was founded in 2005 in West London by childhood friends Mike, Lee, and Will (known as Mikey Trapstar and Lee Trapstar). What started as a passion project—printing t-shirts and selling them directly to friends and locals—soon turned into a creative platform to express their love for music, art, and underground culture.
Their designs caught the eye of tastemakers, and soon the small, community-driven enterprise became “that brand” everyone wanted to wear. Classic pieces, like the “Trapstar Irongate” Hoodie, became iconic, representing rebellion, confidence, and individuality.
The founders famously kept the ethos of scarcity and mystique alive by not saturating their audience with over-the-top marketing. Many of their most iconic items were released as limited-edition pieces or sold out because of exclusive pop-ups or direct-to-consumer drops.
Fast forward to today, and Trapstar is a global brand worn by celebrities like Jay-Z, Rihanna, Stormzy, and A$AP Rocky. Its slogan—”It’s a Secret”—matches its enigmatic rise to fame.
What Defines Trapstar’s Aesthetic?
Trapstar’s aesthetic can be described as rebellious, bold, and unapologetic. It draws inspiration from London’s gritty underground scene, merged with elements of hip-hop, graffiti, and skate culture. Here are a few pillars of the brand’s style:
1. Iconic Logos and Graphics
The Irongate logo, which features a minimalist gate-lock design across hoodies, sweatshirts, and tees, is a hallmark of Trapstar’s aesthetic. It communicates exclusivity and pays homage to the founders’ interest in storytelling through their designs.
The iconic tagline, “It’s a Secret”, plays into their mysterious, cult-like appeal. Whether on oversized bombers or casual joggers, the text sends a message of belonging to an exclusive movement.
2. All-Black Everything
Black plays a central role in Trapstar’s palette, bringing a moody yet versatile look to their collections. The monochromatic tone works well with both streetwear fits and high-fashion pairings, making their pieces highly adaptable.
3. Bold Prints and Details
While Trapstar maintains sleek and understated vibes, many of its limited drops feature intricate prints, embroidery, or splashy pops of red, green, or metallic touches. These details transform their clothing into not just outfits, but statements.
4. Functional, Urban Utility
Trapstar combines form and function seamlessly. From tactical jackets to reflective bombers perfect for the London weather, you’ll notice how the pieces are designed for both aesthetic swagger and practical wear.
How Trapstar Shaped Culture
Trapstar isn’t just about clothes—it’s about a lifestyle. It has become synonymous with UK street culture, bridging the gap between fashion, music, and community.
Trapstar’s Influence on Grime and Rap Music
Trapstar has found strong support among UK grime artists and American rap heavyweights alike. Figures like Skepta and Stormzy (who represent the UK grime culture) have frequently sported Trapstar looks both on and off the stage. At the same time, global stars like Jay-Z have helped bring visibility abroad, even capturing the attention of the notoriously selective US streetwear scene.
Collaborations
One of Trapstar’s biggest moves was its partnerships and collaborations with global fashion and streetwear powerhouses. Among these was a collaboration with PUMA in 2016, which featured Trapstar’s signature aesthetic infused into trainers and sports-ready apparel.
Collaborations like these allowed Trapstar to expand its reach without losing touch with its underground identity.
From London to Global Appeal
What makes Trapstar unique is its ability to stay true to its London roots while achieving international acclaim. It hasn’t diluted its core rebellious image, even as its designs became staples on high streets and social media. The brand did so, not just by creating fashion but by telling a story and building its cultural significance.
How to Style Trapstar
Trapstar pieces are incredibly versatile, making them work for a variety of styles. Whether you’re aiming for full-on streetwear flair or just adding a modern edge to your everyday look, here are some tips for styling Trapstar:
1. Urban Streetwear Look
- Pair the Trapstar Irongate Hoodie with loose-fit jeans and white sneakers for an effortlessly bold streetwear look.
- Finish it off with a snapback or bucket hat to bring out Trapstar’s hip-hop-meets-skate vibes.
2. Elevated Street Style
- Wear a Trapstar Bomber Jacket over a plain t-shirt and slim-fit black chinos. Accessorize with designer sneakers and minimal jewelry to blend urban style with luxury cues.
3. Lounge-and-Go
- Pair your Trapstar Tracksuit with classic trainers (e.g., Air Force 1s) for a cozy, casual outfit that still looks put-together.
Pro tip: Trapstar pieces shine best when worn with confidence. Build your look around one or two Trapstar items to keep your outfit balanced and avoid overwhelming the minimal appeal of the designs.
Where to Get Your Trapstar Fix
Trapstar’s collections are known for their exclusivity, with many drops selling out within hours. Here’s how you can grab a piece of the action:
- Official Website: Trapstar releases many of its products on their official website, often as limited-time drops. Make sure you’re subscribed to their mailing list to snag early access.
- Pop-Up Shops: Keep an eye out for pop-up events around the world. Trapstar often uses these moments to release exclusive, region-specific pieces.
- Select Retailers: Stores such as END Clothing and Selfridges occasionally stock Trapstar items, but only in limited numbers.
- Secondhand Marketplaces: Platforms like StockX or Grailed are ideal for finding past designs or jacket grails—but beware of fakes!
Why You Should Pay Attention to Trapstar
Trapstar has solidified itself as not just a London brand, but as a global powerhouse, cementing a unique spot at the intersection of music, fashion, and culture. From its iconic logos to its influence on grime and rap music, Trapstar represents modern streetwear that’s versatile, bold, and authentic.
If you’re looking to express individuality and stand out, while still being part of a broader streetwear-driven community, Trapstar is your go-to. Level up your wardrobe today and join the movement—because, as Trapstar says, “It’s a Secret.”
